E2SE graduate nominated for the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards
A graduate of the 2017/18 pilot TBA Entry 2 Stud Employment Programme, Max McLoughlin, is a finalist for the David Nicholson Newcomer Award, which will be presented tonight at the Jumeriah Carlton Tower Hotel, London as part of the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
Max was placed at Cheveley Park Stud after completing his initial training at the National Stud, and has remained at the stud ever since, having recently been promoted to the position of Junior Management Assistant.
Before enrolling on the course, Max attended Durham University, studying History, where he really began to take an interest in the racing world.
“I occasionally went racing locally as a child at the likes of Stratford and Hereford, and looking back I suppose I was fairly awestruck with thoroughbreds from the first time I saw them race in the flesh. However, it was not until much more recently that I started to follow racing.
“I began to look, with some scepticism, at potential routes into the industry. As someone with no equine experience or industry contacts I expected my opportunities to be limited and career prospects to be bleak. Serendipitously, I happened across an advertisement for a pilot course funded by the TBA aimed at people of all ages with a desire to work in the industry - no experience required. This programme was the Entry to Stud Employment (E2SE) course, which is run at the National Stud, and I jumped at the opportunity to apply.”
Since joining Cheveley Park Stud in January 2018, he has gained valuable experience working across a variety of aspects of the stud, gaining practical experience with the mares and foals, yearlings, and resident stallions. His recent promotion has seen him become more involved in assisting with nominations, bloodstock and the racing operation and his responsibilities including giving stallion shows, viewing youngstock and attending race meetings.
After receiving his nomination, he was overwhelmed, commenting: “The nomination was a lovely surprise and it is humbling to have made it to the last three. Getting to the final is really testament to the fantastic people at the National Stud, Cheveley Park Stud and elsewhere, whom I have had the good fortune of being around. When I first considered entering the industry, I had a preconception that it was perhaps introspective and unwelcoming, to my great relief I have discovered the complete opposite is true. I just hope I can do everyone who has supported me thus far proud in the final!”
The TBA would like to wish Max all the best for the upcoming awards, and all other Stud Staff nominated in their respective category.
For more information on the Entry to Stud Employment Programme, contact the National Stud on 01638 663464.